Russia sends humanitarian aid to Philippines
November 12, 2013, 10:42 am

Latest UN figures say the typhoon has affected nearly 11.3 million people and displaced an estimated 673,000 people [Getty Images]

At least 10,000 people are thought to have died in the central Philippine province of Leyte alone.

The Ilyushin-76 planes are carrying doctors, rescuers and psychologists to support relief efforts in the Philippines, said Oleg Voronov, deputy head of the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry’s crisis centre.

The United Nations has announced it will send $25 million in aid to help the country deal with the aftermath of the typhoon.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to President Aquino on Sunday following the powerful typhoon. 

A state of national calamity was declared in the Philippines following the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan.

In a televised address to the nation, Aquino said yesterday that the government has 18.7 billion pesos ($429 million) to fund reconstruction.

“In the coming days, be assured: help will reach you faster and faster. My appeal to you all is: remaining calm, praying, cooperating with, and assisting one another are the things that will help us to rise from this calamity” said the the president.

A total of 23 countries, including the United States, China and EU states, have offered humanitarian assistance and financial aid to the Philippines.

The United Kingdom and the US have already deployed warships to the South East Asian nation.

“As needed, these ships and aircraft will be able to provide humanitarian assistance, supplies, and medical care in support of the ongoing efforts led by the government and military of the Republic of the Philippines,” a Pentagon statement said.

Typhoon Haiyan, known locally as Yolanda, swept across the country on Friday, devastating towns and cities.

Latest UN figures say the typhoon has affected nearly 11.3 million people and displaced an estimated 673,000 people.

Source: Agencies